A Perspective from the CEO, Dinar Holdings Kenya
Kenya’s economic performance and investment policies continue to influence decisions by companies looking to enter East Africa. The Kenya Investment Authority’s Investors Guide to Kenya 2026 identifies sectors where foreign investors can establish businesses, develop projects and enter into partnerships with Kenyan companies.
The guide places agriculture, manufacturing, construction, tourism, technology and infrastructure among the sectors receiving investment attention. It also provides information on company registration, investment incentives and access to regional markets.
At Dinar Holdings Kenya (DHK), we have been examining these developments in relation to our business activities and the partnerships we intend to build.
For companies considering Kenya, there are seven areas we believe deserve attention.
Kenya as a Base for Regional Business
Kenya’s economy was valued at approximately USD 136 billion in 2025, with a population of about 55 million people, according to the Kenya Investment Authority.
Through the East African Community (EAC), COMESA and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), companies operating in Kenya can access markets beyond the country’s borders, subject to trade rules.
This presents an opportunity for businesses from Türkiye, the Middle East, Asia and other regions to establish operations in Kenya and develop trade relationships across East Africa.
DHK is interested in working with companies considering Kenya for their regional operations, distribution activities and investment projects.
Agriculture and livestock account for approximately 22.5% of Kenya’s GDP and employ around 40% of the workforce.
The investment guide identifies avocados, tea, coffee, flowers, edible oils, livestock and food processing among the areas attracting investment.
It also identifies opportunities in storage, cold-chain services, packaging and processing facilities.
Kenya already exports agricultural products to international markets. For investors, there are opportunities to work with producers, develop processing facilities and establish export supply arrangements.
DHK is currently exploring business opportunities in agricultural sourcing and trade. We are interested in working with producers, suppliers, exporters and international buyers.
Kenya’s annual housing demand exceeds 250,000 units, according to the investment guide.
Population growth and urbanisation continue to increase demand for housing, commercial buildings and infrastructure.
The guide identifies opportunities in affordable housing, middle-income developments, construction materials and urban development.
Investors can participate through property development, construction partnerships and the supply of building materials.
DHK welcomes discussions with property investors, developers and construction companies looking to undertake projects in Kenya.
Kenya’s position within East Africa makes transport and logistics an area of interest for businesses involved in importation, exportation and distribution.
The Port of Mombasa has a handling capacity of approximately 2.65 million TEUs, while the Port of Lamu has an additional capacity of approximately 1.2 million TEUs.
Road and rail connections support the movement of cargo between Kenya and neighbouring countries.
The investment guide identifies opportunities in port services, logistics facilities, inland container depots and freight operations.
DHK operates in clearing, forwarding and regional trade facilitation. We are interested in partnerships with importers, exporters, logistics companies and businesses seeking to expand their trading activities across East Africa.
Manufacturing and Investment Incentives
The Kenya Investment Authority reports that Kenya has 38 gazetted Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and 105 Export Processing Zones (EPZs).
These zones provide investment incentives, including reduced corporate tax rates and exemptions on qualifying imports, depending on the applicable regulations.
Investment opportunities include agro-processing, textiles, pharmaceuticals, vehicle assembly and manufacturing for domestic and export markets.
For companies considering manufacturing in Kenya, the availability of investment zones may influence decisions on location, production costs and access to markets.
DHK is interested in discussions with manufacturers and investors considering production facilities, industrial projects and commercial partnerships in Kenya.
Kenya received approximately 2.4 million international visitors in 2024.
The tourism and hospitality sector contributes around 8% of GDP and supports an estimated 1.7 million jobs, according to the investment guide.
Opportunities include hotels, resorts, conference facilities, lodges and hospitality services.
There is also demand for property management, maintenance and services required to operate hospitality facilities.
DHK is interested in engaging hotel investors, property owners and hospitality operators seeking business opportunities and service partnerships in Kenya.
Technology and Business Services
Kenya’s ICT and business process outsourcing sector contributes approximately 9% of GDP, according to the investment guide.
The guide identifies investment opportunities in digital platforms, financial technology, customer service centres, technical support, e-commerce and digital infrastructure.
Companies seeking to establish technology operations in East Africa can examine Kenya’s workforce, connectivity, operating costs and access to regional markets.
DHK is exploring opportunities for cooperation in technology, enterprise development and business services.
We welcome discussions with technology companies, training institutions and investors interested in developing projects in Kenya.
Our Perspective on Partnerships
The seven areas identified in the Kenya Investment Authority’s 2026 guide present different opportunities for businesses considering Kenya.
However, before entering a market, investors need to understand the operating environment, regulatory requirements, business costs and the partners available to support their activities.
At Dinar Holdings Kenya, our interest is to develop business relationships with companies whose investment plans align with our activities.
We are open to discussions with investors, manufacturers, developers, exporters and service providers seeking to establish operations or explore business opportunities in Kenya.
We also welcome proposals from companies interested in working with DHK on projects in East Africa.
